Hudson joins Glover on 'American Idol' finale

Host Ryan Seacrest, left, and finalists Candice Glover, center, and Kree Harrison speak on stage at the "American Idol" finale at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live on Thursday, May 16, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)

Glover admitted the pair were "out of it" following the finale whirlwind.

The winning finalist of the Fox singing competition will be awarded a record deal and could follow in the footsteps of such chart-topping winners as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood — or less successful champs like Lee DeWyze and Kris Allen.

Whatever happens, Harrison and Glover both advanced further on "Idol" than Hudson. She was the sixth eliminated contestant during the third season.

Hudson was among the guest stars helping to fill out the two-hour finale show, including Psy, Frankie Valli, Emeli Sande and Jessie J. Current "Idol" judges Keith Urban, Mariah Carey — along with Randy Jackson on bass — also performed.

Host Ryan Seacrest speaks on stage at the "American Idol" finale at the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live on Thursday, May 16, 2013, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)

During Wednesday's final performance round, Harrison, the soulful 22-year-old country singer originally from Woodville, Texas, sang Sarah McLaughlan's "Angel," Patty Griffin's "Up to the Mountain" and potential future single "All Cried Out."

"It fits her like a Glover," joked Keith Urban of Glover's empowerment ballad.

Randy Jackson declared the finale a dead heat after Harrison and Glover performed their tunes.

"Dude, this is so close," said Jackson, who announced last week that he's leaving the show after this season.

Thursday's finale could also serve as a send-off for Minaj, Urban and Mariah Carey after reports surfaced last week that the entire judging panel would be replaced following a season overshadowed by rancor and ratings issues.